Window shade fixtures



Sept. 6, 1932. P. B. THORNAS ET AL WINDOW SHADE FIXTURES s Sheets-Shet- 1 Filed April 1, 19:51

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WINDOW SHADE FIXTURES Filed April 1, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ITLU eTljD g E251 jZomas lEaa amfi 22y or P 1932- P. B. THORNAS ET AL 1,876,036

WINDOW SHADE FIXTURES Filed April 1, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 i i I I l I Patented Sept. 6, 1932 i UNITED .STTES PATENT o Fi'cE PETER B. THORNAS AND'ED'WARD LB. TAYLOR, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS TO E. W. A. ROWLES 00., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS wrivnow SHADE FIXTURES Applieation file d April 1,

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in window shade fixtures, and more particularly to means for supporting and cooperating with the type of roller window shades which are positioned in pairs transversely of the window midway the height thereof and adapted to be extended respectively upward and downward to shade. desired portions of the window. 10 1 the pair are mounted on asupporting panel which not only serves to prevent the passage of light through the space between the two shades but also is removably mounted on the window frame and is provided with means whereby the entire window shade unit may be removed and hung in a convenient position alongside the window in order to permit 2' free access to the windows for cleaning same or other purposes. Additional shading panels are. provided for preventing the passage of light between the ends of adjacent pairs of shades when used on adjacent win- -dows. The improved supporting means also embodies means for easily adjusting the effective length of the shade support.

The principal object of this invention is to. provide improvements in window shade fiX-' tures of the type briefly described hereinabove and disclosed more in detail in the specifications which follow.

Another object is to provide improved means for removably supporting window shades transversely of the window.

Another object is to provide improved means for temporarily suspending a window shade unit at one side of the window.

Another object is to provide window shade supporting means of adjustable length.

Another object is to provide improved shielding means for preventing the passage of light between the two shades of a pair or between the ends of adjacent pairs of shades.

Other objects and advantages of this in,-

According tothe particular. improvements of this invention, the two roller shades of r 1931. Serial No. 526,870.

vention will be moreapparent from the following detailed description of certain approved forms of devices embodying the principles of this invention.

In the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a pair of the window shade units mounted on two adjacent windows, parts being broken away, and one ofthe window shade units being shown in dotted lines and suspended temporarily at one side of the window. I

Fig. 2 is a vertical section, taken substan tially on the line 22 of Fig. 1. 1

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on a larger scale, taken substantially on the line 3.-3 of Fig. 1. v V Fig. 4 is a detached perspective view showing one of the fixed supporting brackets and one of the adjustable end brackets, of-the type used in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Fig. 5 is an elevation of a window shade unit of the general type shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 but using shorter supporting brackets and adapted for use with a single window.

Fig. 6 is a partial horizontal section, taken substantially on the line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 6 but showing a different form of sup porting bracket.

Fig. 8 is a rear elevation of one end portion of the supporting panel. showing the socket by means of which the window shade assembly is suspended when temporarily removed from the window.

Fig. 9 is an upper plan view ofthe window shade assembly when temporarily suspended at the side of the window.

Fig. 10 is an elevation, partially broken away showing a simplified form of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 11 -11 of Fig. 10.

Fig; 12 is a perspective view of the end portion of the shade supporting assembly roller shades 6. Each bracket 3 of the window. Unless these shades are overlapped, there will be a space between the two shades through which light will pass, and to avoid this the pair of shades are sometimes provided with a panel or vent the passage of light therebetween. According to the present invention the two roller shades are mounted as a unit on this supporting panel, and improved means are provided for supporting this panel either permanently or detachably, from the window framein a variety of different installations.

To facilitate the disclosure we will first refer to the simplest formof the invention as shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, and will then work back to the more detailed forms shown in the other figures. 1 is in the form of a continuous sheet metal The supporting panel plate having rearwardly bent strengthening and stiffening flanges 2 at its upper and low er edges. Adjacent each end of this panel is fixed a shade-supporting bracket 3, the'for-.

wardly extending arm of thisbracket being formed with an eye 4 and a slot 5 for supporting one of the ends of each of the two is formed with a laterally extending base flange 7 adapted to extend parallel with thefront 7 face of panel 1. The end brackets 8 are formed with main plate portions 9 which ,eXtend between the front face of panel 1 and the base flanges 7 of the supporting bracket 8, and are also provided with rear wardly extending supporting flanges 10 which are perforated to receive screws 11 by means of which the end brackets are attached directly to the inner faces of the upright window frame members12. Longitudinally extending slots 18 are formed in ortin brackets 3 C3 the plates 9 of the end brackets 8., The supare riveted or bolted directly tothe supporting panel 1, the rivets 14 passing through the slots 18 in the end These end brackets, are clamped tightly between the panel 1 and base flanges I of the shade supporting brackets 3, but the brackets 8.

slots 13 permit these end brackets 8' to be driven in or out (longitudinally of the panel 1) to a limited extent so as to vary the distance between the attaching flanges 11 and allow for variation in the distance between the window frame uprights 12., In this manner the effective length of the supporting panel may be easily adjusted, although the panel and shade supporting brackets 3 are permanently and rigidly assembled. It

shield to pre- 1 to 9 are adapted to be readily detachable from the window so as to facilitate washing the windows, or to permit free access to the window for any other purpose. In all forms of the invention here shown, the supporting panel 1 and the shade supporting brackets 3 are of much the same form and secured together in the same manner as already described in connection with Figs. 10, 11 and 12.

.Theend brackets v8 are also adjustably secured in position between the base flanges 7 and panel 1 by means of slots 13 through which the rivets are passed, all as described hereinabove. However, the end brackets 8 v as shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive are not anchored or attached directly to the window frame, but each bracket 8 is formed at its outer edge with aligned vertical cylindrical eyes 16 similar to hinge lugs and adapted to receive an attaching pin 17 A stationary supportingbracket 18 see Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4:) is'formed at its inner end with a laterally extending flange 19 perforated to receive screws 20, by means of which the brackets 18 are attached to the front face of the window frame. uprights 12. At its outer end each bracket 18 is formed with a vertically extending cylin drical lug. or eye 20 adapted to be received between the eyes 16 of bracket 8, the pin 17 being passed through the aligned eyes 16 and 20 so as to'hold the parts together. It will be noted that the brackets 18 as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are of considerable length soas to space the window'shade assemblies a considerable distance in front of the windows. This is necessary with certain types of swinging windows, and this feature of the invention will be further referred to hereinafter. In the form shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the stationary brackets 21 are considerably shorter than the brackets 18 previously described, so as to space the window shade assembly closely adjacent the front face of the window frame. Otherwise these brackets 21 are identical with the brackets 18. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 7, the stationary brackets 22 are not provided with the rear laterally extending flanges 19 but are adapted toextend straight. tothe rear and be secured I against the side faces of the window frame for the stationary supporting brackets). can be removed and moved to one side so as to permit free access to the entire window for washing the panes or for other purposes. A socket member is provided on the rear face of the panel 1 adjacent one end thereof (see particularly Figs. 8 and 9), this socket member being conveniently formed by a sheet metal strapmember outwardly bowed at its central portion 23 and secured at its ends 24: to the rear face of panel 1. The central portion of the bowed member 23 is notched as indicated at 25. A headed screw 26, orsome other similar projection is mounted in or on one of the window frame members at a convenient 7 position at one side or the other of the window. When the window shade assembly has been removed from its normal position by withdrawing the two pins 17, the complete assembly is suspended temporarily at one side of the window by hanging the notched socket 23 over the projection 26, all as indicated in Fig. 9 and in dotted lines at the left of 1.

The form of the invention shown in Figs.

1, 2, 3 and i is especially adapted for use with windows of the swinging type, especially when two or more such windows are positioned closely adjacent one another with separating mullions. These windows are usually rather deeply inset in the walls, and it is necessary to mount the shades a considerable distance in front of the windows to clear the window handles and permit necessary movements of the windows. For this purpose the long brackets 18 already described are used, and between an adjacent pair of windows a single bracket 27 is mounted on the central mullion 28 to support the adjacent ends of the two adjacent sets of shades. This central bracket 24 will obviously be provided with two separate hinge-eyes 20. It is to be understood that this bracket 27 (as well as the end brackets 18 if desired) can be built up of two or more connected pieces of sheet metal .if so desired.

The panels 1 will, as already described, prevent the passage of light between theupper and lower shades of each pair, but, since the shades are set forward a considerable distance in front of the windows, light can pass diagonally from either window through the space 29 (see Fig. 1) between the ends of the adjacent pairs of window shades. In order to close this space, a separate shield member .30 is mounted directly behind the shades and spaced forwardly from the central mullion 28. This central panel 30 may be constructed of a single piece of sheet metal or of in per and lower sections, and is supported. centrally by the bracket 27 already described, and is supported near its upper and lower ends by auxiliary brackets 31 of any desired form. It will be understood that the upper and lower cross bars of the window frame extend forwardly from the windows beyond the path of vertical travel of the shades, and the central panel 30 will extend vertically between these two cross bars or frame members. In

this manner the entire window may be very effectively shaded, or any desired portion thereof may be shaded by manipulating the proper roller shade. Obviously, ifmore than 1 two adjacent windows are provided, the same construction will be used between each adj acent pair of windows. Any one of the panels 1 and the shades supported thereby may be removed in the manner already described by simply withdrawing the two pins 17 at the ends of the panel.

Since the centralpanel or shield 30 is positioned forwardly directly behind the path of vertical travel of the window shades, a depression or pocket 32 is formed in the upper portion of the central panel 30 to permit access to the pins 17 at the adjacent inn-er ends of the two window shade assemblies. This pocket 32 may be conveniently formed by cutting out a suitable opening in the upper member of the panel 30 and'enclosing this by a rearwardly projecting sheet metal housing 33, as best shown in Fig. 3'

I It will be apparent that a set of sh with the supporting panel 1 can be assembled atthe factory and shipped in this form, and is adapted for mounting when provided with the type of stationary supportingbracket best adapted for the particular installation.

.the window, means for detachably supporting the ends of the panel from the brackets, and means mounted on the panel and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily supporting the panel and parts carried thereby at one side of the window. 2. A window sha le supporting means comprising a supporting panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means for rotatably supporting a pair of window shades on the panel, brackets adapted to be mounted on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, means for detach ably supporting the ends of the panel from the brackets, and means mounted on the panel and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily hanging the panel and parts carried thereby in upright position at one side of the window.

3. A window shadesupporting means comprising a supporting panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means for rotatably supporting a pair of window shades on the panel, brackets adapted to be mounted on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, means for detachably supporting the ends of the panel from the brackets, and a socket member positioned on the rear face of the panel adjacent one end thereof, said socket member being adapted to engage ifia projection permanently positioned at one side of the window to temporarily hang the I panel and parts .carried thereby.

4. A window shade supporting means comprlsmg a supportlng panel adapted to extend transversel of a window means for a 7 rotatably supporting a pair of window shades on the panel, brackets adapted to be mounted on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, brackets carried by, the ends of the gbpanel and adjustable lengthwise thereof to Vary the effective length of'the panel, said second. brackets being detachably connected withthe first mentioned brackets to support the panel, and means mounted on the panel and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily supporting the panel and parts carried thereby at one side of the window.

5. A window shade supporting means comprising a supporting panel adapted to ex- 3o tend transversely of a window, means for rotatably supporting a pair of window shades on the panel, brackets adapted to be mounted-on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, brackets carried by the aa ends of the panel and adjustable lengthwise thereof to vary the effective length of thepanel, said second brackets being detachably connected with the first mentioned brackets to support the panel, and means mounted on the -1-G' panel and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily hanging the panel and parts carried thereby in upright position at one side of the window.

6. A window shade supporting means com- 4a' prising a s pp Panel adapted to tend transversely of a window, means for rotatably supporting a pair of window shades on the panel, brackets adapted to be mounted on the window frame at oppositesides of the window, brackets carried by the ends of the panel and adjustable lengthwise thereof to Vary the effective length of the panel, said second brackets being detachab-ly connected with the first mentioned. brackets to support the panel, and a socket member positioned on the rear face of the panel adjacent one end thereof, said socket member being adapted toengage a projection permanently positioned at one side of the window to temporarily hang the panel and parts carried thereby.

7. In combination, means for rotatably supporting a window shade transversely of a window, brackets at the sides of the window with which the supporting means is detachably connected, and means for temporarily supporting the shade and supporting means] at one side of the window.

8. In combination, means for rotatablysupporting a window shade transverselyof a window, brackets atthe sides of the window with which the supporting means is detachably connected, and means for temporarily hang ing the shade and supporting means in up-' SGT said socket being adapted to engage a projection permanently positioned at one side of the window to temporarily hang the supporting means and shade.

10. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means for rotatably support ng shades on the panel, brackets at the ends of the panel having vertically extending eyes, fixed brackets mounted on the'window frame at the sides of the window and having vertical eyes adapted to align with the eyes on the first mentioned bra.ckets,.removable pins for connecting the eyes, and'meansmounted on the panel and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily hanging thepanel and shades at one side of the window when the pinshave been removed. 11. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means for rotatably supporting shades on the panel, brackets at the ends of the panel'having vertically extending eyes, fixed brackets mounted on the window frame at the sides of the window and having Vertical eyes adapted to align with the eyes on the first mentioned brackets, removable pins for connecting the eyes, and a socket member on the panel adapted to engage a fixed projection on the window-frame to hang the panel temporarily at the side of the window the pins have been removed.

12. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of'a window, brackets fixedly mounted on the panel adjacent the ends thereof for when rotatably supporting the shade, and brackets attached to the ends of the panel with capacity for limited adjustment lengthwise thereof for supporting the panel and shade from the window frame.

13. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, brackets fixedly mounted on the panel adjacent the ends thereof for rotatably supporting the shade, said brackets having forwardly projecting arms in which the shade is mounted and base flanges extending parallel to the face of the panel, end brackets for supporting the panel and remote the end brackets, and the end portions of the panel, whereby the first mentioned brackets are permanently secured to the panel, and the end brackets are frictionally secured between the base flanges and panel, but the end brackets are permitted limited adjustment lengthwise of the panel.

14:. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of window, brackets fixedly mounted on the panel adj acent the ends thereof for rotatably supporting the shade, said brackets having forwardly projecting arms in which the shade is mounted and base flanges extending parallel to the face of the panel, end brackets for supporting the panel and shade from the window frame, said end brackets having portions extending between the panel and base flanges of the first mentioned brackets and provided with slots extending lengthwise of the panel,'and rivets secured through the base flanges, the slots of the end brackets, and'the end portions of the panel, whereby the first mentioned brackets are permanently secured to the panel, and

the end brackets are frictionally secured be-.

tween the base flanges and panel, but the end brackets are permitted limited adjustment lengthwise of the panel, fixed brackets stationarily mounted on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, and means for detachably connecting the end brackets with the fixed brackets.

15. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means on the panel adj acent the ends thereof for rotatably supporting the shade, fixed brackets adapted to be anchored on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, and end brackets adapted to be detachably secured to the fixed brackets for supporting the panel and shade, the end brackets being attached to the end portions of the panel with capacity for limited adjustment lengthwise of the panel.

16. A window shade supporting means comprising a panel adapted to extend transversely of a window, means on the panel adjacent the ends thereof for rotatably supporting the shade, fixed brackets adapted to be anchored on the window frame at opposite sides of the window, and end brackets adapted to be detachably secured to the fixed brackets for supporting the panel and shade, the end brackets being clamped between the end portion of the panel and the shade-supporting means and being movable for a limited distance lengthwise of the panel.

' 17. combination, means for supporting window. shades in position spaced forwardly from a pair of adjacent windowscomprisin'g a pair of similar panels for supporting shades transversely of each window, bracket-s mounted on the window frame at the outer sides of he windows and projecting forwardly for supporting theouter ends of the panels, a bracket projecting forwardly from the central mullion between the windows for supporting the adj acent-inner ends of the panels, an up right panel adapted to bridge the space between the shades and prevent the passage of light therebetween, and means for supporting this latter panel from the mullion in forwardly spaced relation therefrom.

18. In combination with means for supporting window shades in position spaced forwardly from a pair of adjacent windows comprising a pair of similar panels for supporting shades transversely of each window, brackets mounted on the window frame at the outer sides of the windows and projecting forwardly for supporting the outer ends of the panels, a. bracket projecting forwardly from the central mullion between the windows for supporting the adjacent inner ends of the panels, an upright panel adapted to bridge the space between the shades and prevent the passage of light therebetween, the

a pair of similar panels for supporting shades 1,

transversely of each window, brackets mounted on the window frame at the outer sides of the windows and projecting forwardly for supporting the outer ends of the panels, a bracket projecting forwardly from the central mullion between the windows for supporting the adjacent inner ends of the panels, an upright panel adapted to bridge the space between the shades and prevent the passage of light t-herebetween, means for supporting this latter panel from the mullion in forwardly spaced relation therefrom, and means for detachably supporting the shade-supporting panels from the brackets, the upright panel being provided with a depressed pocket to permit access to the means for attaching the panels to the central bracket.

20. In combination, means for supporting window shades in position spaced forwardly from a pair of adjacent windows comprising a pair of similar panels for supporting shades transversely of each window, brackets mountii s ed on the window frame at the outer sides of V tral mnllionbetween the Windows for supporting the adjacent inner ends of the panels,

an upright panel adapted'to bridge the space V between the shades and prevent the passage of light therebetween, and means for support- I ing this latter panel from the mullion in for- Wardly spaced relation therefrom, means for detachably supporting the, shade-supporting panels from the brackets, and means mounted on one of the panels and adapted to engage a fixed member for temporarily supporting the panel and the shades mounted thereon at vone side of the Window.

Patent No. 1,876, 036.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

September 6, 1932.

PETER B. THORNAS ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 3, line 40, for "24" read 27; page 4, lines 65 and 72, claims 7 and 8, respectively, after "means" insert the words mounted on the panel and adapted to engage a fixed member; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of November, A. D. 1932.

M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

